McNerney said in a written statement that the Methamphetamine Education, Treatment and Hope (METH) Act is intended to modernize programs that target methamphetamine abuse.

Among other things, the bill would expand treatment for addicts, particularly mothers or pregnant women, and would provide grants to rural areas that now have few resources to cope with substance abuse and mental health needs.

The bill would also require education and outreach to increase the chances that medical care providers and others will recognize the signs of addiction and steer users to treatment.